To be enrolled in most, if not all, accelerated BSN programs, applicants must have gained a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Commonly, this bachelor's degree does not need to be related to the nursing or health field; however, a health-related major may help in nursing school studies. Most universities offering an accelerated BSN degree require applicants to have a minimum grade point average. The minimum GPA can range from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; however, this requirement will vary from institution to institution.
All accelerated BSN degree programs require applicants to have taken and passed prerequisite courses. These courses will vary according to the school. The most common prerequisite course requirements include: anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, general psychology and human behavior/growth. To determine what courses must be completed before applying for an accelerated BSN program, speak with an admission adviser at the institution you wish to enroll in while completing your initial bachelor's degree.
Most accelerated BSN programs require official scores from the GRE general test. Schools that do not require GRE scores will accept this test as supplemental information with the application. Since accelerated BSN programs are highly competitive, GRE scores may help applicants secure a spot in the program. The GRE consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, analytical writing and quantitative reasoning. As of 2010, the GRE costs $160 and is available throughout the United States.
Applicants to an accelerated BSN program must provide two or three letters of recommendation from previous professors, employers and relatives or friends. These letters must be sent using official recommendation forms provided by the university. Check with the institution to learn about their requirements.